Cigar wrapping machine and bander



May 21, 1963 F. A. CRAIG ETAL 01cm WRAPPING MACHINE AND BANDER 11Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 6, 1960 INVENTORS.

FRANClS A/CRAIG NEAL R. PARLATORE ATT May 21, 1963 F. A. CRAIG ETALCIGAR WRAPPING MACHINE AND BANDER ll Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 6. 1960mam FRANCIS A. RAls NEAL R. PARLATORE ATTOR EY May 21, 1963 F. A. cameEI'AL 3,090,176

CIGAR WRAPPING MACHINE AND BANDER Filed Sept. 6, 1960 11 Sheets-Sheet 3FlGfa' INVENTORS. FRANCIS A.CRA|G NEAL R. PARLATORE May 21, 1963 F. A.CRAlG ETAL 3,090,176

CIGAR WRAPPING MACHINE AND BANDER Filed Sept. 6, 1960 11 SheetsSheet 5FIG.5

IN VEN TORS.

FRANCIS A. CRAIG BY NEAL R. PARLATORE Arm/152 May 21, 1963 F. A. CRAIGETAL CIGAR WRAPPING MACHINE AND BANDER Filed Sept. 6, 1960 11Sheets-Sheet 6 IN VEN TORS. FRANCIS A. CRAIG BY NEAL R. PA-RLATORE May21, 1963 F. A. CRAIG ETAL CIGAR WRAPPING MACHINE AND BANDER 11Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Sept. 6, 1960 INVENTORS FRANCIS A.ORAIG NEAL R.PARLATORE v w? Kw o? N? ATTORN Y May 21, 1963 F. A. CRAIG ETAL CIGARWRAPPING MACHINE AND BANDER 11 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Sept. 6, 1960 FIG.9

INVENTORS. FRANCIS A.GRAIG NEAL R.PARLATORE BY 7% ATTO EY,

May 21, 1963 F. A. CRAIG ETAL 3,090,176

CIGAR WRAPPING MACHINE AND BANDER Filed Sept. 6, 1960 11 Sheets-Sheet 96. IO FIG. II 558 542 538 5'58 542 440 556 ,P 536 0 366 N 436 ML 442 CINVENTORS.

65 640 FRANCIS A.ORA|G NEAL R.PARLATORE May 21, 1963 F. A. CRAIG ETAL3,090,176

CIGAR WRAPPING MACHINE AND BANDER Filed Sept. 6, 1960 11 Sheets-Sheet l0INVENTORS, FRANCIS A. came E NEAL R.PARLATORE May 21, 1963 F. A. CRAIGETAL 3,090,176

CIGAR WRAPPING MACHINE AND BANDER Filed Sept. 6, 1960 11 Sheets-Sheet 11INVENTORS. FRANCIS A. CRAIG NEAL R. PARLATORE BY Ton 1.

. assure Patented May 21, 1963 3 $90,176 QlGAR WRAPPEWG MACI-HNE ANDBANDER Francis A. Craig, Durham, N.C., and Neal R. Parlatore,

Laurelton, N.Y., assignors to International Cigar Machinery (30., acorporation of New Jersey Filed ept. 6, 1960, Ser. No. 54,2 16 Claims.(Cl. 53-133) The present invention relates to improvements in machinesfor enveloping cigars and in particular to improvements in a cigarover-wrapping and banding machine.

Generally, cigars are wrapped in transparent material such as cellophanewhich is heat sealed to form an en closed envelope and is provided witha .band having imprinted thereon indicia signifying the manufacturersname and contents of the cigar. When cellophane overwraps are thusemployed, it has become desirable to provide a tear strip to facilitateits opening. The present invention is characterized by utilizing thecigar b and as a tear strip by adhering the band to the cellophaneWrapper and simultaneously feeding the band and cellophane for wrappingabout cigars.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a high speedmachine for applying a band to a length of cellophane and utilizing thesame for over-wrapping a cigar.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novelmechanism for applying the band directly to the cellophane over-wrap sothat they may be simultaneously wrapped about the cigar. It beingcontemplated that paper and cellophane, and other types of handingmaterial, may be used.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novelmechanism for feeding the banding material and the cellophane wrappingmaterial to the machine from substantially endless roll of webbing andfor registering and positioning the same accurately with respect to eachother and to the cigar around which it is to be wrapped.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel mechanismfor applying the band to the cellophane so that it can act as a tearstrip.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novelmechanism for turning the ends of the cellophane over-wrap and forsealing the cellophane to form an enclosed envelope.

Other objects and features of the invention will appear as thedescription of the particular physical embodiment selected to illustratethe invention progresses. In the accompanying drawings, which form partof this specification, like characters of references have been appliedto corresponding parts throughout the several views which make up thedrawings.

In the accompanying drawings:

H65. 1, 2 when joined at line AiA constitute a front elevation of themachine with FIG. 2 drawn at a slightly larger scale than FIG. 1,

FIGS. 3, 4 when joined at line B-B constitute a plan view of the machinewith the upper structure omitted,

FIG. 5 is a sectional end elevation of the machine illustrating the bandweb feed, taken on line S S of FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 is also an end elevation of the machine illustrating the band webfeed drive mechanism, taken on line 66 of FIG. 1,

PEG. 7 is a sectional side elevation of the machine illustrating thecigar wrapping turret as -well as the infeed and delivery end of themachine,

FIG. 8 is a detailed end elevation of the wrapper web cutting andslitting mechanism,

FIG. 9 is a partial front view taken on line of FIG. 5 illustrating theband holding, cutting and applying mechamsm,

FIGS. 10, 11 are end elevations illustrating the successive steps of acigar together with a wrapper hlank being inserted in a pocket of thewrapping turret.

'FIGS. 12, 13, 14 are end elevations illustrating the successive stepsof forming and sealing the longitudinal seam of a wrapped cigar in apocket of the wrapping turret,

FIGS. 15, 16 are isometric views illustrating the end fold tuckersduring tucking operation,

FIG. 17 is a side elevation illustrating the end fold creasing membersin conjunction with the end fold tuckers prior to creasing operation.

FIG. 18 is an isometric end elevation illustrating the end fold creasingmembers during creasing operation,

FIG. 19 is a detailed plan view of one pair of tucker fingers and theiractuating mechanism,

FIG. 20 is a side elevation of the same taken on line 2ll20 0f FIG. 19,

FIG. 21 is an isometric end elevation illustrating the end fold bandingand sealing mechanism,

FIG. 22 is a partial side elevation illustrating the end sealing membersduring sealing operation,

FIG. 23 is a partial side elevation illustrating the end seal ironingmechanism,

FIG. 24 is an isometric view showing the wrapped cigar with theprojecting end of the tear strip band,

FIG. 25 is a line diagram of the control circuit for the machine.

The reference to cigar bands in this description are to those which areusually termed cellophane hands. These are supplied in reels in an endto end relationship so that each individual band is continuous andrequires successive cut-oil. The length of each band in general shouldbe slightly longer than the width of the cellophane being used tooverwrap the cigar so that one end of this band will extend beyond theedge of the overwrapping cellophane so that it may be used as atear-shape. lit should not be construed that the apparatus describedherein limits itself only to the use of such material. It could and canbe adapted to bands in reel form fabricated from paper. Such adaptationwould require only minor changes in the described apparatus.

The reference to the cellophane overwrapping in this description is tothe usual material used for wrapping a cigar after it is completelyfabricated. Such wrapping comes in a continuous reel requiring only thata predetermined length be cut therefrom to conform to the length of thecigar to be wrapped.

The present apparatus combines mechanism for feeding the bandingmaterial, the cellophane overwrap material, combining the both, andoverwrapping the cigars into a finished product. In order to simplifythis specification, therefore, the description of the apparatus and itsoperation will be taken in various stages.

Band Feed With reference first to FIGURES 1, 3, and 5, where the feedingto the band is more clearly shown, there will be seen a reel 10 ofcellophane bands mounted on shaft 12 for free rotation, with end of theweb 14 threaded downwardly between two feed rolls 16 and 18 and around aloop roll 20 held on arm 22 which is freely pivoted about a laterallyextending stud 24-. The web is then passed Over an idler roller 26, asecond pair of feed rolls 28 and 3D to scissor shears 32 held, onbracket 34, which are adapted to effect the successive cutoff of eachindividual band .36. Just prior to the cut-off of each band, the Web 14-is gripped by tongs 38 held on carriage 40. This carriage 40 is thenadapted to move forward, bringing the cut-off band 36 underneath amoving web of cellophane wrapper 1%. A sealing unit 42 moves downclamping the band 36 and cellophane Wrapper web together against aplatform 44 held on bracket 46. The

wrapper web 100 together with a band 36 is then indexed forward, as willbe described later, to the wrapping station at turret T.

The first pair of feed rolls 16 and 18 are driven through anelectro-magnetic clutch 50 mounted on rotating shaft 52 which isconnected to the central source of power, as will be explained laterherein. Clutch 50 is normally energized and it continuously rotatessprocket gear 54 which, in turn, through chain 56, rotates. sprocket 58to which roll 16 is connected. Another sprocket 69 to which roll 18 isconnected simultaneously engages sprocket 58 and rotates with it. Thepurpose of feeding the web through feed rolls 16 and 18 is to providefor the maintenance of constant tension on the web between this pointand feed rolls 28 and 30 which are themselves driven through a secondelectromagnetic clutch 62 mounted on shaft 52 in a similar manner to theway feed rolls 16 and 18 are driven; that is, through a sprocket 64,chain 66, and sprocket pairs 68 and 70. However, the amount of torquetransmitted by clutch 62 is varied by a potentiometer (shown only in theschematic circuit diagram) and is reduced substantially for reasonswhich will be described more fully later on.

Maintaining constant tension between two sets of feed rolls materiallyassists in accurate registration. The first set of feed rolls 16 and 18unwind the web from the supply reel until the loop roll arm 22 reachesits lowest position; just prior to reaching that position the stud 72 onwhich roll 20 is mounted and which extends outwardly therefrom willinterfere with the tentacle 74 of a limit switch 76. Limit switch 76 iselectrically connected to electro-magnetic clutch 50 so thatinterference with the switch will de-energize the clutch and stop therotation of the first pair of feed rolls 16 and 18, halting the movementof the web 14 from roll 10. Meanwhile, the feed rolls 28 and 30 continueto feed the band to the cutting scissors since their drive mechanismscontinue their normal operation. Once clutch 50 is disengaged, the feedrolls 16 and 18 act asa brake, and the feed rolls 28 and 30 continuingto feed the web will cause the loop roll 20 and arm 22 to rise until theextension 72 interferes with the tentacle 78 of a second limit switch80. Limit switch 80, when interfered with, re-energizes magnetic clutch50 to which it is also electrically connected and the feed rolls 16 and18 resume feeding the web 14. The first pair of feed rolls 16 and 18 areadapted to feed out approximately A; to A of an inch more web than thelength of an individual band 36 per cycle while the second pair of thefeed rolls 28 and 30, since they must feed the cutting scissors, feedonly the length of a band 36. It is this continual overfeed of feedrolls 16 and 18 which allows the loop roll 20 and 22 to drop, causinginterference with limit switch 72 and prevents and overdrawing of web 14from roll 10.

The second pair of feed rolls 28 and 20 are driven by clutch 62 asdescribed previously. While the relative peripheral speed of the twosets of rolls 16 and 18 and 26 and 30 will remain constant since theyare chain driven, the shaft speed on which the two clutches 50 and 62are mounted may be varied. Variable pitch pulley 82 mounted on clutchshaft 52, in connection with clutch 62, variable pitch pulley 84 on camshaft 86, and belt link-age 88, is provided for this purpose. The rateof feed for rolls 28 and 30 are such that these two rolls will feed outthe length of a band 36 in 270-300 degrees of cam shaft 86 rotation.This rate of feed may be adjusted for differences in size of hands byadjusting the variable pitch pulleys.

The feeding of web 14 by rolls 28 and 30 is controlled by photo-diodesensing mechanism 90 which senses and obtains cut-otf and registrationinformation. The photodiode 90 contains a light source and an opticalsystem which casts a beam of light upon a photo-electric sensitivediode. A description of this type of apparatus is believed unnecessaryin the present case. In the present apparatus, a signal is obtained bypassing from the opaqueness of the written material of a hand 36 to thetransparency between bands which, as will he observed, are in end to endrelationship on the web 14. Since the bands 36 are predominantly coveredby printed material, only the spaces between successive bands arepositively transparent. noid 92 which when it is energized, as itnormally is, causes a plunger 94 to extend outward and press upon rod 96pivoted about stud 98. Rod 96 acts as a braking means for rolls 28 and30 and is adapted to engage and disengage with a circular ratchet 102keyed to shaft 104 on which sprocket 68 and roll 30 are mounted. Whenthe solenoid 92 is energized, the plunger 94 pivots rod 96, disengagingpawl 106 from ratchet 102. When a signal is obtained from thephoto-diode (when transparency appears) solenoid 92 is deenergized,releasing plunger 94. Spring 108 immediately pivots rod 96 and pawl 106engages the ratchet 102. This results in an instantaneous braking of therolls 28 and 34 It will now be realized that the torque reduction onmagnetic clutch 62 was for the purpose of limiting the torque on ratchet102 which had to be overcome by the braking action of pawl 186. Sincethe torque of clutch 62 may be varied by manipulation of thepotentiometer, adjustment between it and the brake 102, 106, can easilybe effected to obtain the most accurate and effective registration. Itwill also be noted that the plunger 94 is released by deactivating thesolenoid 92 and that a spring 108 is used to trip the rod 96. The reasonfor this is to overcome any error that might exist through wave formdifferences or non-constant responses in a solenoid acting in anopposite manner.

Should it be desired to employ bands not of the cellophane type, i.e.,paper or tin-foil, the photo-diode sensing system could be easilyadapted to become one which senses reflective or printed indicia. Thus,the present apparatus is generally adapted to such use.

As previously stated, the feed rolls 28 and 30 feed out the length ofband at approximately 270-300 degrees ro tation of cam shaft 86 and thatregistration of the web 14 is picked up by photo-diode 90 in this lengthof time. This registration occurs just prior to the time that scissors32 would close, cutting oil the band. Scissors mechanism is clearlyshown in FIGS. 5 and 9 and comprises an upper blade 110 and a lowerblade 112. The upper blade 110 is keyed to stud 114 on which is alsokeyed a sprocket gear 116. The lower blade 112 is freely mounted on thestud 114 and has a U-shaped member 118 depending from its hub. The bightof the U-shaped member engages within it a pin 120 extending laterallyfrom sprocket gear 116. A gear sector 122 pivotally mounted on bracket124 engages with the gear 116. Extending from sector 122 are rod links126, 128 and 130, the end of which is connected to an L-shaped arm 132pivoted about shaft 134. The lower arm of the L-shaped memher 132 has acam follower 134 engaging cam 136, which is keyed to shaft 86. The cam136 has a track shaped so that during its rotation it actuates L-shapedmember 132, raising rods 126, 128 and 130, moving sector 122. It will beobserved that the movement of sector 122 actu ates both scissor blades110 and 112. The scissor mechanism 32 is timed from the cam shaft 86 tosynchronize with the feeding of the band Web 14 and causes the blades110 and 112 to cut the leading band 36 immediately after the brake isapplied the cam 136 continues to rotate, after severing the forwardband, the blades 110 and 112 are caused to open to allow for thesubsequent feeding of the web. Approximately 10 degrees of rotation ofcam shaft 86, after the opening of the blades, a timing switch 138 shownin FIG. 2 (and described later) is an independent cam operated timingmechanism and acts to energize the solenoid 92 which thereupon releasesthe brake by extending plunger 94 into the engagement The photo-diode 90is connected to sole-y to feed rolls 28 and 30. As

opened. Switch 138 is with rod 96, allowing the feed rolls 28 and 31) toturn, driving the succeeding band ahead until such succeeding band againcomes into register and the cycle is repeated. The independent switchmeans is necessary in the present case to bypass the photo-diode sincethe diode cannot be automatically reset because the web is stationary.

Just prior to the closing of blades 11% and 112, the tongs 38 which arecarried on carriage 4t grip the leading edge of the band 14. Thecarriage 4G is mounted by means of rolls 1411 on track 142. To thecarriage is connected an elongated rod 144 by means of a swivel joint146. Rod 144 is connected at its other end to an arm 148 which has aslotted portion 150 engaging a second swivel joint 152. The arm 148 iskeyed to a shaft 154 (FIG. which also has keyed to it, at approximately90 degrees from arm 148, a second arm 156. At the end of arm 156 is acam follower 158 engaging a cam 160 keyed to and rotating with shaft 86.The cam 160' has a track, shaped so as to cause arm 143 to move rod 144in a horizontal reciprocatory motion. The tongs 36' comprising upper andlower gripper members 162 and 164 (FIG. 3) respectively, of which onlythe lower member 164 moves, is mounted about screw 166; gripper member164 being pivotally mounted. The lower memher 164 has an angularextension 168 on which there is mounted a roller 170 which rides on bar172 rockably mounted along a horizontal shaft 174. Bar 172 has connectedto it a rod 176 which through appropriate linkages is connected to rod178. The end of rod 178 is connected to L-s-haped member 1851 having camfollower 182 which rides on cam 184. Cam 184 has a track, shaped so thatwhen the tongs 32 are carried on their carriage 49 to a position mostadjacent to the cutting blades, the bar 172 is caused to oscillate orrock and close the grippers 162 and 164. When the carriage 41) has movedrod 142 to its extended position, the bar 172 is caused again tooscillate or rock in an opposite manner so as to open the grippers 162and 164. The movement of the carriage 4th is timed so that the tongsgrip the leading edge of the band 14 just prior to the closing of theblades and, upon the opening of the blades, advances the band underneaththe sealing unit 42 and underneath the cigar wrapper cellophane Thesealing unit 42, that is the heating surface which is used to tack thecut-off band 36 to the over-wrapping cellophane 1%, consists of a block186 containing a resistance heater, the bottom of the block 186 whichbears against the cellophane has two bands, each band approximately wideby /2 long. This block 136 is supported on lever 188 and is pivotedthrough a bell crank 1%, suitable rod linkage 18 2, bell crank 194 androd linkage 1%, from a cam 193 keyed to and rotating with shaft 86. Bellcrank 1% is biased by spring 191 to keep cam follower 1 3 engaged withcam 198. Thus when the cut-off band 36 is in position, the block 136 isbrought down, clamping the cellophane 1% to the band 36 against thesupporting plate 4-4 below it and by means of the heat transferredeffects the tack between the band and the cellophane. The length of timethat the contact is held is approximately 180 degrees of cam shaft 86travel. Temperature control of the block, and thus of the transfer, ismaintained by a thermistor unit in a conventional manner.

When the heater block 136 is raised, the overwrap cellophane 1th) isindexed forward, as will be more fully described, carrying the cut-offband 36 with it. The length of forward travel of the cellophane wrapperweb is that length which is used for overwrapping the cigar, and as thisis moved forward, the band feed cycle begins again by re-energization ofsolenoid 92 through timing cam operated switch 138.

This apparatus does not limit itself to applying the bard to the insideof the cellophane only, whether the band is cellophane or paper. If itwere desired to apply the band on the exterior of the overwrappingcellophane,

then the threading of the overwrapping cellophane would be reversed insuch a fashion that such an application could be made. Othermodifications will easily be seen.

Web Feed The cellophane wrapper web 1411 mentioned heretofore is pulledfrom a reel 2% (FIG. 1) over a loop roller 292 and a pair of idlerrollers 2154 and 206 by means of a pair of intermittently rotating feedrollers 208 and 211) working in conjunction with a pair of reciprocatinggripper feed fingers 212 (FIG. 4) which pull a predetermined length ofwrapper web beneath the wrapper turret T and over a cigar waiting at thecigar injecting station to be inserted into one of the pockets of saidwrapper turret T. The loop roller 202 mentioned above is pivotallysupported at the free end of an arm 214 mounted on a shaft 216 (FIG. 1)supported by a suitable bearing in the feed supporting bracket 218secured to the main frame 220 of the machine. The idler roller 204 ispivotally supported by a stud 222 held by bracket 218 and idler roller206 is pivotally supported by a stud 224 held by a lug 226 projectingfrom bracket 45. To shaft 216 which carries the loop roller supportingarm 214 is mounted another arm 228 (FIG. 1) to the free end of which ispivotally attached the lower end of a bar or link 230 while the upperend of the latter is provided with a slot 232 which in turn looselyengages with a stud 234 held by and projecting from the free end of anarm 236. The arm 236 is mounted on a shaft 238 to which is securedanother arm 240, the free end of which, by means of a link 242, isadjustably connected to the free end of a brakeshoe lever 244 pivotallymounted on a horizontal shaft 246 rotatably supported by a suitablebearing in the bracket 213. The brakeshoe lever 244 at its upper endcarries an arcuately shaped brakeshoe 248 which engages with a brakedrum 250 which is rotatably supported by a horizontal shaft 252 held bybracket 218. The brake drum 250 is integral with and a part of asuitable reel support member 254 which rotatably supports the cellophanereel 2%.

The brake arrangement just mentioned is employed for the purpose ofoverfeeding the cellophane web and keeping a desired tension on the sameat all times. It is self-evident that when the web loop L (FIG. 1) whichengages with the floating roller 2022 becomes too large, the arm 214carrying said roller 262, will move in a downward direction turning itssupport shaft 216 in an anti-clockwise direction. Since arm 223 is'alsomounted on shaft 216, an anti-clockwise rotation of the latter causes anupward motion of arm 22% which through link 23% arm 236, arm 240, link242 and brakeshoe lever 244, effects a braking action of the brakeshoe246 against the brake drum 256. A braking action against the drum 250,of course, results in an arrest of the cellophane reel 2th) and nocellophane web can be pulled off the same until the major portion of webcontained in the loop L is used up and the floating roller support arm214 is lifted during this process. A lifting of arm 214, of course,causes a lowering of arm 228 which in turn through the above-mentionedconnections, effects a release of the brakeshoe 248 from drum 250 thuspermitting the cellophane reel 260 to rotate again and supply the neededweb material.

The web feed rollers 2198 and 2'10 mentioned above are rotatablysupported by means of shafts 256 and 25%, respectively. The upper feednoller 211i is loosely mounted on the shaft 258 which in turn at bothends is supported in suitable vertical slots 26% of a pair of bearingbrackets 262 secured to the main frame of the machine. A pair ofcompression springs 264 confined in the vertical slots 260 of thebearing brackets 262 engaging with the ends of the shaft 258 areemployed for the purpose of keeping the upper feed roller 211 inconstant engagement with the lower feed roller 26% during feedingoperation. The shaft 256 to which the lower feed roller 268 is securedis rotatably supported in suitable bearings of the bracket 262 andcarries a gear 266 (FIG. 3) which engages with said shaft 256 by meansof a conventional one-way clutch (not shown) so that said shaft, andconsequently feed roller 238, can only be rotated in a clockwisedirection. To one end of the feed roller drive shaft 256 is also mounteda conventional Warner electric brake 268- (FIG. 3), the function ofwhich will be described hereinafter. The gear 266 engages with ahorizontally reciprocating gear rack 270 which by means of a connectingrod 272 is connected to the free end of an activating arm 274 mounted ona shaft 276 (FIGS. 1 and 3) rotatably supported by a switch bearingbracket 278 secured to the frame of the machine. To shaft 276 is alsokeyed another arm 280, the free end of which by means of a connectingrod 282, is connected to the free end of a cam lever 284 carrying a camroller 286 engaging with a cam track 288 of a cam 290 mounted on shaft292. The cam lever 284 is loosely mounted on a horizontal shaft 294supported by a switch bearing bracket 296 secured to the bedplate 298of'the machine (FIG. 1). The shaft 292 which carries the cam 290 iscontinuously rotated by means of a gear 300 secured thereto. Gear 300 inturn is driven by and meshes with a gear 302 mounted on the main driveshaft 304 of the machine. Shaft 304 is rotatably supported in suitablebearings of the main frame 220 of the machine. To shaft 304 is alsomounted a sprocket 306 (FIG. 2) which through a chain 308 iscontinuously driven from a suitable source of power (not shown).

The reciprocating gear rack 270 mentioned above is slidably supported bytwo pairs of horizontal rollers 310 and 312, and two pairs of verticalrollers 314 and 316. Rollers 310 and 314 are pivotally mounted on abracket 318 (FIGS. 1 and 3) while rollers 312 and 316 are pivotallymounted on a suitable bracket 320 (FIGS. 2 and 4). Both brackets 318 and320 are suitably secured to the frame work of the machine. To the rearend of the gear rack 270 is secured a lug 322 (FIG. 4) to which ispinned the front end of a horizontal shaft on rod 324 while the rear endof the same is slidably supported by a self-aligning bearing 326 of abearing bracket 328- suitably secured to the frame work of the machine.To the front portion of the shaft 324 is also secured the stationaryupper jaw 330 of the gripper feed fingers 212, while the lower jaw 332of said fingers is loosely mounted on shaft 324 adjacent the upper jaw33!), as illustrated in FIG. 4. To shaft 324 is also mounted a collar334 to which is secured one end of a torsion spring 336 which surroundssaid shaft, while the other end of said torsion spring is anchored tothe lower jaw 332 of the gripper fingers 212. The torsion spring 336 isemployed for the purpose of keeping the jaws 330 and 332 of gripperfingers 212 closed during web feeding action. The opening of said jawsis effected by a roller 338 which is pivotally mounted on the hub of thelower jaw 332 and engages with a horizontally mounted verticaloscillating bar 340 which at each end is secured to a lug 342 and 344,respectively, (FIG. 4). Lug 344 is secured to a horizontal shaft 346rotatably supported by a suitable bearing in bracket 328 while lug 342is secured to a shaft 348 rotatably supported in a suitable bearing ofbracket 320. To shaft 346 is also secured a lever 350 (FIGS. 2, 4, and7) the free end of which by means of a link 352 is connected to an arm354 which is pivotally mounted on a stud shaft 356 held by the framework of the machine. From the hub of arm 354 extends a cam lever 358which at its free end carries a cam roller 360 engaging with a cam 362mounted on the main drive shaft 304. It is self evident that the cam 362through lever 358, arm 354, link 352, lever 350, shaft 346 and lug 344,the bar or rail 324 causes a raising and lowering of the bar 340. Sincethe roller 338 which engages with said bar is carried by the hub of thelower jaw 332 and the torsion spring 336 keeps said roller in constantengagement with said bar, a raising and lowering of the same effects anopening or closing, respectively, of the lower jaw 332 with respect tothe upper '8 stationary jaw 330. A suitable tension spring 364 (FIG. 7)acting upon arm 354 is employed to keep cam roller 360 in constantcontact with cam 362. The feeding of the wrapper web is accomplishedduring the clockwise swing of the oscillating arm 274 which throughconnecting rod 272 causes a forward movement of gear rack 270 which inturn through gear 266 results in a clockwise rotation of the lower feedroller 208 and, since at this time the web 100 is engaged by the upperand lower feed roller 208 and 210, respectively, a feeding of thewrapper web 100 is effected. At this time the leading edge of saidWrapper web is engaged by the gripper fingers 212 and since the latterare carried by the rod or shaft 324 which, as mentioned heretofore, isconnected to the end of gear rack 276', a forward movement of said gearrack 270 also results in a forward movement of said shaft 324 andconsequently of the gripper fingers 212. Thus, the wrapper web 100 isfed by the feed rollers 208 and 210 and at the same time pulled andguided by the gripper fingers 212. As soon as a predetermined length ofweb has been fed over the cigar injector guide channel 366, a webclamping pad 368 suspended from the free end of an arm 370 descendsadjacent to the leading end of said web and clamps the same to asuitable table plate 372. As soon as the wrapper web 100 is clamped tosaid table plate, a scissor-like cutting device 374 (FIGS. 4 and 8) isactivated and cuts a wrapper blank of predetermined length from theleading end of the wrapper web 100. The web clamping arm 370 isadjustably mounted on a bell crank lever 376 (FIG. 8) which is providedwith a cam lever 378 carrying a cam roller 380 which engages with asuitable cam 382 mounted on the main drive shaft 304. The scissor-likecutting device mentioned above consists of two cutting blades 384 and386 which are pivotally supported by a horizontal shaft 388 rotatablysupported by a suitable bearing by projecting from the table plate 372.Cutting blade 384 is provided with an activating lug 390 while blade 386is provided with an activating lug 392. Lug 390 at its free end isprovided with a suitable slot which engages with a pin 394. Lug 392 atits free end has also a suitable slot which engages with a pm 396. Bothpins 394 and 396 project horizontally from a disc 398 (FIG. 8) which ismounted on the end of a horizontal shaft 400 which is rotatablysupported in suitable bearmg lugs projecting from the table plate 372and the web feed table 402. The horizontal shaft 490' is oscillated orrocked by means of a lever 404 which is secured to said shaft and thefree end of which through a connecting rod 406 is connected to the freeend of a cam lever 408. Cam lever 408 is pivotally supported byscissor-like cutting device 374 and thus effect a closmg and cuttingaction of the upper and lower cutting blades of the same. A properlymounted and connected torsion spring 416 (FIG. 4) acting upon saidcutting blades keeps the latter normally apart and in open position. Tothe horizontal shaft 400 is mounted another arm 418 which at its freeend carries a roller 420 which engages with the bottom edge of a lever422 pivotally mounted on a shaft 424 held by a slitter mechanismsupporting bracket 426. Lever 422 is provided with an extension 425which projects in the opposite direction of lever 422 (FIG. 8) and whichat its free end loosely connects with the lower end of a vertical stud428. Stud 428 slidingly projects through a hole in bracket 426 as wellas through a hole in the web feed table 432 and carries at its upperportion a knife supporting plate 430 to each of the two side edges ofwhich is adjustably secured a downwardly projecting and pointed slittingknife 432. Surrounding the upper portion of stud 428 and confinedbetween the bottom side of the knife supporting plate 430, and the topof the bracket 426, is a compression spring 434 which is employed forthe purpose of keeping the knife supporting plate 430 and consequentlythe vertical slitting knives 432 in raised position. However, when theshaft 400 is rotated clockwise during cutting action, as describedabove, the roller carrying arm 418 secured to said shaft rotatesclockwise also and raises or lifts the lever 422. A raising of lever422, of course, effects a downward movement of its extension 425 and,since extension 425 is coupled to the vertical stud 428 by means of apin 429, said vertical stud is pulled downward and with it, of course,the knife supporting plate 430 and the downwardly pointed knives 432,causing the slitting of the cellophane wrapper web 100 along one sideedge and adjacent each side of the band 36 which is sealed to andcarried by said Web 1nd.

As mentioned heretofore a predetermined length of wrapper web 100 withan adhered band 36 is fed over the cigar injector channel 366 and cutfrom the rest of the web in the manner described above. As soon as theweb 106 comes to rest on the top of the cigar injector channel and aboutthe same time said web is clamped on the feed table '372, by clampingpad 363 on arm 370, a pair of inverted L-shaped fingers 436 (FIG. 7)ascend and clamp the leading end of said web 100 onto the top edges ofthe cigar injector channel 366 before the cutting of a predeterminedlength of web takes place (FIG. so that after cutting the wrapper blankis in the desired position to engage with a cigar C, which is thenelevated by a plurality of vertical plungers 438 which push a cigar C upthrough the injector channel 366 where it engages with the severedwrapper blank and cigar, and wrapper blank is further elevated andinserted into an open and waiting pocket P of the cigar machine foldingturret illustrated in FIG. 7. During the elevation of the cigar and thewrapper blank, the L-shaped retainer fingers 4336 move upward with thesame and remain in contact with said cigar and blank until the latter isinserted into said pocket of the turret T. The bottom plunger 44%? ofthe pocket P also engages with the cellophane wrapper blank and thecigar as the latter enters the pocket P. The injector channel 3&6consists of two angle bars 442 and 444 suitably supported by and mountedtransversely on a table plate 446 supported by the main frame of themachine. The inverted L-shaped blank retaining members 436 are pivotallymounted between collars on a horizontal shaft 443 which projects fromand is secured to the free end of an arm 45% (FIGS. 4 and 7) pivotallysupported by a suitable stud 452 held by the main frame of the machine.Each L-shaped member 436 is provided with a downwardly projectingextension 454, the lower end of each of which pivotally engages with ahorizontal shaft 456 carried by and projecting from the free end of anarm 458 pivotally supported by a horizontal shaft 460 held in suitablebearings by the main frame of the machine. From the hub of the arm .58extends a cam lever 462 which carries a cam roller 464 engaging with asuitable cam 466 mounted on the main drive shaft 304. The extensions 454of the L-shaped clamping members 436 being connected to the two parallelarms 450 and 458 assure that the horizontal legs of member 436 remainexactly horizontal when moving upward with the wrapper blank and cigaras described above. The vertical plungers 438 which lift the cigar froma feed table 468 and inserts the same together with the wrapper blankinto the turret pocket are pivotally supported at their bottom end bymeans of a horizontal shaft 470 (FIGS. 2 and 7) carried by the free endof an arm 472 pivotally mounted on the shaft 46%. The hub of arm 472 isprovided with a lug 474 (FIG. 7) to the free end of which is hooked oneend of a tension spring 47 6 while the other end of the latter issuitably anchored to the frame of the machine. Tension spring 476 isprovided for the purpose of keeping lug 474 of arm 472 in yieldableengagement with an adjustable stud 478 carried by a lug 48h projectingfrom the hub of a cam lever 482 which carries a cam roller 484 engagingwith a cam 436 (FIG. 2) which through the aforementioned connectionsimparts vertical reciprocating motion to the plungers 438. In order tokeep the latter in perfect upright position at all times, said plungers433 are pivotally connected to another horizontal shaft 483 carried byan arm 49% which is rotatably supported by a shaft 492 supported bysuitable bearings in the main frame of the machine. if it is desirablethat the plungers 438 should have a firmer grip on the cigars theyelevate, each plunger 43%- may be provided with a suitable duct 494(FIG. 7) which by means of a flexible tube 4-96 may be connected to asuitable air valve 498 which through a link 509 may be activated by anarm 5&2 rotatably supported by the shaft 492. From the hub of arm 5&2may extend a cam lever 504- which carries a cam roller 5% engaging witha suitable cam (not shown) which imparts oscillating motion to thesuction valve which in turn permits intermittent suction to reach ducts494 of the vertical plungers 438. Valve 498, of course, by means of asuitable tube (not shown) may be connected to a suitable source ofsuction (not shown).

After a predetermined length of wrapper web is fed over the cigarinjector channel 366 and clamped thereto and cut in the manner describedabove, the web feed and gripper fingers 212 open up and release theleading end of the wrapper blank so that the latter, together with thecigar, can be elevated by the vertical plungers 438 into a waitingpocket P of the wrapper turret T as mentioned above. The opening of theweb gripper fingers 212, of course, is accomplished through the rocking,or in this case, raising of the rail 340 which, as described heretofore,effects the lowering or opening of the lower jam 332 of the gripperfingers 212. Due to the anti-clockwise swing of arm 274 the gripperfingers return open to their original position, after which said fingers212 close again and again and grip the leading end of the wrapper Web Tofacilitate the gripping of the leading end of said wrapper web the tableplate 372 is provided with a suitable cut out 503 (FIG. 4).

The cigars C to be wrapped are conveyed from a suitable hopper orfeeding station (not shown) by means of a pair of parallel horizontalconveyor chains Sit) (FIGS. 2, 4 and 7) which are continuously driven bymeans of a pair of sprockets 512 mounted on a shaft 514 which in turn isdriven by a suitable sprocket (not shown) through a chain 516 and asprocket 518 (FIG. 2) mounted on the shaft 292. From the feed conveyorchains 5-10 the cigars are pushed intermittently through the injectorchannel into the turret pocket as described above. Feed table 468, ofcourse, is provided with suitable cut-outs 520 (FIG. 4) to accommodatethe vertically reciprocating plungers 438.

The wrapping machine turret T is of the type Well known in the art,carrying a plurality of pockets P about its periphery and mounted on ahorizontal shaft 522 (FIGS. 2 and 7). The latter is rotatedintermittently by means of a geneva wheel 524 mounted thereon and drivenby a suitable roller 526 carried by a crank pin 528 (FIG. 2) secured toa gear 53% rotatably supported by a stud shaft 532 secured to andprojecting from a leg of the main frame of the machine. Gear 531 mesheswith and is driven from a gear 534 mounted on the main drive shaft 304of the machine.

Each pocket P of the turret T consists of a pair of hinged side walls orjaws 536 each of which by means of a pair of pins 533 is pivotallyattached to the body 540 of the turret T. The lower legs of each pair ofjaws 536 engage with each other in tooth-like fashion and one of themcarries a cam roller 542. The cam roller 542 of each pair of jaws 536 ofeach pocket P engages with a cam 544 which is loosely and rotatablysupported by the shaft 522. Integral with cam 544 is an arm 546, thefree end of which carries a cam roller 548 which engages with a cam 550mounted on a shaft 552. The shaft 552 is driven continuously by means ofa suitable sprocket 554 mounted thereto and which in turn through achain 556 (FIG. 2) is driven by a sprocket 558 mounted on shaft 292.Suitable tension springs 560 placed between the outer walls of adjacentpockets assure that the cam roller 542 of each set of jaws of eachpocket always remains in engagement with the cam 544. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the jaws 536 remain in closed position as long as theirrespective cam roller 542 is in engagement with the lower portion of cam544, but as soon as the cam roller rolls onto the high portion of saidcam, the jaws of the respective pocket opens. Furthermore, asillustrated in FIG. 7, the jaws of each pocket, when arising empty atthe cigar injecting or loading station, are open to receive a cigar asmentioned heretofore, but as soon as a cigar, together with a wrapperblank, is inserted, the cam 544 is slightly rotated in an anti-clockwisedirection so that the cam roller 542 of this pocket rolls from the highportion of cam 544 onto its low portion and thus closes the jaws of thispocket before the turret is indexed. The jaws remain closed while theturret is intermittently rotated past the various folding and sealingstations and open again only when arriving at the discharge or deliverystation where the finished enveloped cigar is ejected onto a deliveryconveyor 56211- lustrated in FIG. 7.

When the cigar with its wrapper blank is about to be inserted in apocket at the injecting station, as shown in FIG. 10, the jaws 536 ofsaid pocket P are open but close quickly after insertion by the verticalplungers 438. After being pushed into the pocket, the Wrapper blankcovers three sides of the cigar, namely, the two sides and the topthereof, thus forming a U-shaped envelope with the two sides of thewrapper blank projecting straight down and out of the pocket P as shownin FIG. 11. The first downwardly projecting side flap is folded over thebottom of the cigar by means of a reciprocating folder plate 564 asshown in FIG. 12.

Folder plate 564 is secured to a suitably shaped member 566 which ispivotally supported and suspended from two arms 568 and 570. The latteris pivotally supported by a stud shaft 572 held by a suitable framemember while arm 568 is pivotally supported by the shaft 522. To member522, by means of a pin 574, is also pivotally connected the free end ofan actuator arm 576 loosely supported by the shaft 460. Integral withand extending from the hub of arm 576 is a cam lever 5-78 carrying a camroller 580 engaging with a suitable cam 582 mounted on the main driveshaft 304.

After the first side flap is folded over the bottom of the cigar by thefolder plate 564, the latter remains in its forward position until thecigar carrying pocket is advanced towards the next station during whichtime the second downwardly projecting side flap contacts an arcedstationary folder plate 584 which folds said second flap over thealready folded one as illustrated in FIG. 13 of the drawings. The arcedfolder plate 584 is mounted adjacent the periphery of the turret and, bymeans of bracket 587, secured to a shaft 586 (-FIG. 7) held by the mainframe of the machine.

When the cigar carrying pocket arrives at the second station, the thusfolded bottom or lengthwise seam of the envelope around the cigar iscontacted by an electrically heated sealer bar 588 which seals said seamas illustrated in FIG. 14-. The sealer bar 588 is adjustably secured toa suitable bracket 590 mounted on shaft 586. Adjacent each side of theturret at the next or third station is located an end fold pleating andan end fold creasing device. The end fold pleating device illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20 consists of a pair of pleating fingers 592, each ofwhich is secured to one end of a suitably shaped arm plate 594, whilethe other end of each arm plate by means of a link 596 is pivotallyconnected to a stud 598 carried by a horizontally reciprocating bar 600slidably supported by suitable brackets 602 (FIG. 1) secured to theframe structure of the machine. Both arm plates 594, at their centerportion, are pivotally mounted in scissor-like fashion to a stud shaft604 projecting from and carried by a horizontally reciprocating bar 606also slidably supported by the aforementioned bracket 602. The bar 600by means of a projecting stud 608 engages with the forked free end of acam lever 610 pivotally mounted on a stud 612 held by a suitable bracket614 secured to the frame work of the machine (FIG. 1). Cam lever 610carries a cam roller 616 engaging with a cam track 618 of a drum cam 620mounted on the shaft 522. The bar 606, by means of a projecting stud622, engages with the forked free end of a cam lever 624 pivotallymounted on a stud 626 held by bracket 614. Cam lever 624 carries a camroller 628 engaging with a track 630 of the drum cam 620. It isself-evident that the proper relative horizontal motion between bars 600and 606 effects an opening and closing of the pleating fingers 592 aswell as an approach towards and a withdrawal from the end folds from thecigar envelope. Therefore, when the cigar carrying pocket P of theturret arrives at station three, the open pleating fingers 592 engageswith the open end of the cigar envelope (FIG. 15) and then close toeffect a pleat at each end of the envelope as illustrated in FIG. 16. Inorder to avoid disturbing the thus created pleat during the followingcreasing operation, the pleating fingers 592 remain in engagement withthe pleat while a top and bottom creasing plate 632 and 634,respectively, engage with the end of the envelope and crease the pleatto form a flat tab-like end closure as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.The plate 632 is mounted on a pair of spaced arms 636 mounted on a shaft638 while plate 634 is mounted on a pair of spaced arms 640 mounted on ashaft 642. On shafts 638 and 642 is mounted a gear 644 and 646,respectively, both gears meshing with each other. From the hub of gear646 extends an arm which through a suitable link is connected to thefree end of a cam lever carrying a cam roller engaging with a suitabletrack in drum cam 620. It is self-evident that an oscillation of saidgears 644 and 646, imparted by said cam, cause the creasing plates 632and 634 on arms 636 and 640, respectively, to move towards or away fromthe end fold of the envelope carried by the pocket P of the turret.

The creasing plates 632 and 634 first engage tightly with the pleatedend of the envelope, but open slightly when the turret starts indexingand moves the cigar carrying pocket P from station three to station fourwhere the pleated and creased ends of the envelope engage with end foldand sealing devices illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 2 2. In order to preventthe pleated and creased ends of the envelope to open up while beingcarried by the turret from station three to station four, the creasedand pleated ends are guided by the slightly open creasing plates 632 and634 in an arced guide and fold retainer channel 648 consisting of a pairof guide plates 650 and 652 secured by means of suitable rods 654 (FIG.18) to the frame of the machine.

The end fold and sealing devices located at each side of the turret T atstation four consist of an upper and lower folding member 656 and 658,respectively. The lower member 658 is secured to a block 660 which bymeans of a pin 662r is pivotally mounted on one end of a pair of spacedarms 664 while the other ends of the latter are secured to a shaft 666rotatably supported by a bearing lug 668 projecting from a suitablebracket 670 (FIG. 2) secured to the main frame of the machine. To shaft666 is mounted another arm 671, the lower free end of which is pivotallyconnected to an oscillating cam lever 672. Cam lever 672 is pivotallysupported by a stationary stud shaft 673 and carries a cam roller 674engaging with a suitable cam track 675 in the drum cam 620. It isself-evident that a rocking motion of the cam lever 672 through arm 671will result in an oscillating motion of shaft 666 which in turn througharms 664 causes an up or down movement of the folding member carryingblock 660. Since it is desirable to keep the folding member 658, duringthis up and down motion, in vertical position, the block 666 is alsopivotally connected to one end of a link 676 while the other end of thelatter pivotally engages with a stationary pin 6 77 held by the lug 66%,thus forming a parallel linkage with the arm 664.

The upper folding member 656, by means of a pin 678, is pivotallymounted to a pair of spaced arms 67? which are integral with an upwardlyprojecting lug 680' which is pivotally supported by a stationary pin 681held by the bracket 676. The free ends of arms 679, by means of a link682, are pivotally connected to one leg of a bell crank lever 683pivotally supported by a stud 684 held by the bracket 670. The other legof bell crank lever 633 carries an adjustable stud 685 which looselyengages with the top edge of the arm 664 as shown in FIG. 2. It isself-evident that the raising of arms 664, as described heretofore,causes the bell crank lever 683 to swing or rotate in such a manner asto effect, through link 682 and arm 679, an engagement of the upperfolding member 656 with the raised lower folding member 658 and thussqueezing and sealing the end fold between said folding members asillustrated in FIG. 22. A tension spring 686 connecting the two opposedupper folding members 656, one of which is located at each side of theturret, (FIG. 2) is provided to assure the required pressure necessaryfor sealing. Another tension spring 687 confined between each bracket670 and the top edge of the lug 680 of each arm 679 is employed for thepurpose of effecting a disengagement of the upper folding member 656from the lower folding member 658 when the latter is lowered again afterfolding and sealing operation. Each upper and lower folding member 656and 658, respectively, carry a suitable heating element 688 to effectproper sealing of the folded ends of the envelope.

After folding and sealing operation, the upper and lower folding membersdisengage from the folded ends of the envelope and the turret is indexedagain to move said envelope from station four to station five with thesealed end fold standing up at right angles with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the envelope. At station five, the upstanding endfolds of the envelope are engaged by suitably shaped reciprocatingironing members 6'39 (FIG. 23) which press the upstanding end foldssmoothly onto the body of the envelope or package as illustrated in FIG.23. Since the ends folds contain sufiicient heat from the pretvioussealing operation, no additional heat application is necessary at thispoint to obtain satisfactory results. Each ironing member 689 is mountedon an adjustable rod 6% which is carried by and projects from a suitablelug 691 (FIG. 7) suitably secured to a reciprocating horizontal bar 692slidably supported by suitable bearing brackets secured to the framestructure of the machine. Horizontal bar 692 is reciprocated by means ofthe oscillating cam lever 67 2, the free end of which is connected tosaid bar by a stud 6% (FIG. 2).

After completion of the ironing operation, the turret T is indexed againand the enveloped cigar or finished package F is carried to station sixwhere the latter is ejected from the pocket P of the turret ontosuitable cleats 694 carried by a pair of conveyor chains 695 which pushthe enveloped cigars F onto a suitable delivery table 696 (FIG. 7).

The ejection of the enveloped cigar F is accomplished by means of aspring 697 acting against the bottom plunger 440 of the cigar carryingpocket P at station six where the jaws 536 of said pocket are opened bymeans of the rocking cam 544 described heretofore. The opening of jaws536, of course, effects the release of the envcloped cigar and thespring actuated bottom plunger 4-46 acts as means for ejecting saidenveloped cigar from the pocket P of the turret and onto the cleats 6%of the delivery conveyor. The conveyor chains 6% are driven by means ofa pair of sprockets 698 mounted on the continuously driven shaft 522 andare supported by a pair of suitably mounted idler sprockets 639 (FIG.7).

The completed overwrapped cigar F is shown in FIG. 24. It will beobserved that the band 36 protrudes slightly from within the envelope toprovide an easily grasped tear tape. The nicks N which are clearlyvisible adjacent the sides of the band 36, will facilitate the tearingof the envelope. It will also be observed that the end folds E are flatagainst the body of the cellophane envelope. Thus, there is formed atight hermetically sealed envelope.

Control and Operation The operation and control of the machine will nowbe described. In this description reference will primarily be made toFIG. 25 which is a circuit diagram of the electrical components,although reference will also be made to the other figures which show thephysical apparatus.

The machine is powered in a conventional manner by a one-half horsepower, three-phase, motor 766 connected to two-twenty line voltage. Themotor is linked to a gear reducing means (not shown) which drives chain368 (FIG. 2) and the mechanical action of the apparatus as previouslydescribed. A step down transformer 701 is. provided to supply voltagefor the operation of the electrical controls, as Well as push buttonswitches 702 and starter mechanism 763 for operating the motor.

Cigar feeding-J m continued operation of the machine, it is necessary,of course, to supply the apparatus with a continuous flow of cigars. Thecigars are fed to the machine in the conventional manner from a hopper(not shown) to chain conveyor 510 (FIGS. 4 and 7). The chain conveyor isformed in two parts; the first being driven at a slow speed; the secondat an accelerated speed in order to separate the cigars from each otheras they are fed from the hopper to the injection chamber 366 at theentrance of the turret T. In view of the fact that the hopper and themeans for transferring the cigars from the hopper are well known in theart, no description of them is made here, except insofar as is necessaryfor an explanation of the operation of the present apparatus.

Since a hopper generally contains a plurality of rows of cigars stackedupon each other, pusher means are provided to push the bottom row on tothe conveyor. The pushing of a single row of cigars may be accomplishedby actuation of a single revolution clutch operating the pusher means,which must, of course, be timed to the operation of the machine. Thesingle revolution clutch or other means for pushing the cigar can beactuated by the passage of cigars along the conveyor 51.6 under a limitswitch (not shown) which is thereby actuated to control a solenoid whichoperates a pawl or latch engaging with the clutch. Upon energization ofthe solenoid, the pawl or latch would release the clutch for a singlecycle and permit it to drive the cigar pusher means feeding a row ofcigars. In order for the clutch to make only one revolution, the latchor pawl must fall back into its holding position before the single cyclehas been made. This imposes a condition of de-energizing solenoid beforethat time.

Specifically, a suitable electrical system is shown in FIG. 25 whereinthe limit switch 768 is that which would be normally mounted above theconveyor 51%) and which would control a solenoid 710* operating the pawlor latch. When the last cigar of a row passes under switch 768, it willclose. The relay contact 712a is normally closed so that the coil ofrelay 714 becomes energized. The normally open contact 714a, which is inseries 710, closes and the solenoid 710 of course energizes, thusengagmg the clutch. When the pusher mechanism has passed part waythrough its cycle, some member or part of the mechanism actuates thelimit switch 716 in a momentary Contact. The coil of relay 712 isenergized, setting up a holding circuit in parallel with limit switch716 through the normally closed contact 714b, the normally open contact712b (which has been closed by the energizing of coil 712) and thenormally closed contact 7181). This then opens the normally closedcontact 712a in the circult of coil 714. The coil of relay 714 thendeenerglzes and the normally open contact 71411 re-opens and thesolenoid 710 de-energizes, returning the latch or pawl to its normalposition for disengagement of the clutch. All of this, of course, occursin one cycle.

Since one cycle has been completed, one row of cigars has been fed tothe conveyor, at which time the first cigar in the row engages limitswitch 708 which of course opens contact 708, as noted. Simultaneouslyit closes contact 708a. Contact 708a is in the circuit of relay 718 andthis relay becomes energized, opening the normally closed contact 7181)in the holding circuit of relay 712. Relay 712 being de-energized,contact 712a, normally closed, opens. By this time, however, thenormally closed contact 708 is open so that relay 714 cannot becomeenergized until the last cigar of the row has passed underneath theswitch 708.

If it is desired to feed out a single row of cigars gtzghe start ofoperations, a manual push button switch passed under switch 708.

If it is desired to out 01f feeding of cigars from the hopper entirelyduring operations, a manual push button switch 722 is provided. Whenswitch 722 is opened, relay 714 is prevented from energizing, preventingthe operation of the entire circuit.

Control of cigar elevator mechanism.-The cigars are carried by theconveyor 510 to the wrapping station and to the entrance of a waitingturret pocket, formed by the injector channel 366. At the injectorchannel 366 is mounted a switch 730 (FIG. 7) which is designed to sensethe presence of a cigar in position to be wrapped and to control theoperation of the cigar elevating mechanism and the wrapper feedmechanism. This is a safety and operational feature designed to preventoperation of the machine if no cigar is present to be wrapped.

The time available for the admission of a cigar to the .turret iscontrolled by a timing cam switch 732 mounted on shaft 734 which isrotated by chain 735 connected to shaft 304 by suitable sprocket means(FIG. 2). As will be observed in the circuit diagram, switch 732 whenclosed energizes coil relay 736 which then opens the normally closedcontact 736a de-energizing the solenoid 73S. Solenoid 738, as seen inFIG. 7 operates, only when energized, to move latch 740 into engagementwith arm 472 preventing the upward movement of the arm :and theelevation of the plungers 438 into the turret pocket. During thatportion of the cycle of timing cam switch 732, when it is closed,solenoid 738 will not act to prevent the upward movement of the plungers438.

During a portion of the cycle of switch 732, corresponding to the timewhen the turret has indexed properly to permit the elevation of cigar,the switch 732 opens de-energizing relay 736, causing contact 736!) toclose. If a cigar has been properly fed to the injection chamber 366, itwill close switch 730, re-energize relay 736, open contact 736a, andde-energize the solenoid 738, keeping open latch 740 to allow theplungers 438 to ele- 'va-te the cigar. If a cigar has not reached theentrance .to the injection chamber, switch 732 remains open during itsperiod of cycling, as -does switch 730, thereby 16' *keeping relay 736de-energized. Upon de-energization of relay 736, contact 736a resumesits closed position, energizing solenoid 738 which causes the latch 740to prevent operation of the plungers 438.

A manual switch 742 is provided to shut off the elevator feed when inopen position. It simulates the lack of a cigar at the entrance to theturret pocket 366.

Control of wrapper feed.The intermittent movement of the cellophane webis controlled by timing cam operated switch 267 mounted on shaft 734.During its cycle, switch 267 opens, energizing brake assembly 268(mentioned previously) permitting the clutch of brake assembly 268 todrive the rollers 208 and 210, as well as the gripper finger mechanism330 and 332. The cycling of switch 267 is of course timed to co-operatewith the other apparatus.

When there is no cigar at the entrance to the injector channel 366, itis desired to eliminate the feeding of cellophane. This is accomplishedin a two-fold manner; by preventing the gripping fingers 330 and 332from closing at the end of the cellophane web 100, and by disengagingthe roller drive feed means 208 and 210.

To the oscillating or rocking cam 340 (previously mentioned) whicheffects the opening or closing, respectively, of the lower jaw 332 ofthe cellophane web gripping means, is a hook-like extension 750. Mountedto pivot about a shaft or stud 752 is an arm 754, at one end of which ishook-like member 756, having a shape corresponding with that of hook750. The arm 714 is normally biased by spring means 758 so that thehooks do not engage. The other end of arm 754 is connected by means ofrod 760 to the plunger 762 of solenoid 764. The solenoid 764 is normallydeenergized so that the spring 758 can act to pull the plunger 762outward and keep the hooks disengaged. Mounted on shaft 752 and keyed tothe movement of arm 754 is a second arm 766. To arm 766 is connected anelongated arm 768, which at its extremity is connected to a bell crank770 (FIG. 1). Bell crank 770 is pivoted about stud 772 and has aprojection 774 underlying the shaft 258 of upper roller drive 210 whichis normally biased by spring 264 into engagement with lower roller 208.Upon actuation of the solenoid 764, the plunger 762 withdraws, pullingwith it arm 754 and arm 766, causing hooks 750 and 756 to engage andprojection 774 to raise roller 210 out of engagement with the lowerroller 208. Thus, the feeding of cellophane is present.

The action of solenoid 764 is controlled by limit switch 730 which itwill be recalled senses the presence of a cigar at the injection chamber366. This will be observed by reference to FIG. 25.

When a cigar enters the injection chamber 366, it will actuate switch730, which in this case opens the contact 730a. Connected in series withswitch 730a is a timing cam operated switch 776 which is mounted onshaft 734 in a similar manner to the other switch shown therein. Switch776 cycles so that it is closed during the period when the turret isindexed to receive a cigar. However, since switch 730a is opened, coilrelay 778 to which it is connected, will not energize, keeping thecontact 778a open and the solenoid deenergized. Therefore, thecellophane will continue to feed.

If a cigar does not enter the injection chamber 366, the contact onswitch 730:: will remain closed and then upon the timed closing ofswitch 776, relay 778 will be energized and will form a holding circuitof its own through normally opened 77% and switch 780. Solenoid 764 willthereby be energized since contact 778a closes. The energization ofsolenoid 764 will, of course, cause the hooks 750 and 756 to engage andthe rollers 210 and 208 to disengage.

Some time subsequent to this, switch 780, which is also a timing camoperated switch mounted on shaft 734 (FIG. 2) opens, breaking theholding circuit on relay 778, permitting control to revert to switch730. If at that time 17 a cigar has entered the iniection chamber 366,switch 739 will of course be opened and the cellophane will continuefeeding. In the event no cigar has reached chamber 366, the operation ofswitches 776 and 780 will be repeated.

If it is desired to discontinue the feed of cellophane, While themachine is operating, a manual switch 782 is provided. Switch 782 is inparallel with switch 730. This, of course, simulates the absence of thecigar.

Control of band feed As discussed earlier, a magnetic clutch 50 is usedto drive feed rolls 16 and 18 (FIG. to unwind the bands from the reeland to obtain constant tension on the band web 14 to the primary feedrolls 28 and 30. Between the two sets of rolls, there is, of course, theidler loop roll 20 which moves freely between a pair of switches 76 and89, respectively, which control the operation of clutch 59. Theelectrical controls can be seen in FIG. 50 where like reference numbersare used to describe these components.

When idler loop roll 24 because of the lack of feed of the unwind rolls16 and 18 at the outset of operation or other-wise, reaches itsuppermost position, it interferes with switch 80 closing it andmomentary contact is made energizing the coil of relay 736, setting up aholding circuit through normally open contact 73611 (whiclh closes) inparallel with switch 89. This occurs because switch 76 which is inseries with contact 736a is normally closed. The energization of relay736 also closes contact 78612 which is in series with magnetic clutch50, engaging it, causing the unwind rolls 16 and 18 to feed the band webfrom the roll. As the band web feeds, the loop roll 26 drops until suchtime as it interferes with limit switch 76. Limit switch 76, beingnormally closed, will thereupon open breaking the holding circuit,deenergizing relay 7 36, and opending contact 736.) in series with theclutch 50. Thereupon, clutch Sil disengages and the rolls 16 and 718stop.

The primary feed rolls 2S and 3%) are set to feed the bands continuouslyto the cutting station as some predetermined speed, determined, ofcourse, by the length of the band to suit the cycle of the machine.Rolls 23 and 36 are driven by clutch 62 which receives its power throughrectifier 788 which is of course pre-set. A variable potentiometer 79ilis provided to vary the torque of clutch 62 as discussed at lengthpreviously.

if it is desired to stop hte feeding of the band entirely, a manualswitch 792 is provided which opens the circuit of clutch 62. Rolls 16and 13 will automatically stop as soon as loop roller 26 interferes withclutch 76.

If no cigar is fed to the injection chamber 366, it is, of course,desirable to stop the cutting action of the scissors, as well asnecessary to stop the band feed simultaneously with the cellophane feed.It will be recalled that if no cigar is fed to the injection chamber366, the coil of relay 778 becomes energized. Upon energization of relay778, its contact 773a, which is set to be closed when relay 778 is notenergized, opens. This contact 778a is in series with a relay 794 sothat when it opens, relay 794 becomes de-energized, causing a contact794a in series with a solenoid 796 (FIG. 5) to close. The solenoid 796which controls a latch arm 798 (FIG. 5) energizes when contact 794a isclosed, pulling latch arm 798 into engagement with latch hook 86%mounted on the end of pivoting L-shaped arm 132. This prevents the bandscissors 32 from operating at its correct time and thus prevents anyshipping of the leading edge of the band should the web 14 come to restpartially in the cutting station when the apparatus is stopped for anyreason.

Relay 79- is also connected through its contact 7941) with solenoid 92(FIG. 6) which controls the brake mechanism for rolls 28 and 39. Whenrelay 794 is deenergized, as happens when no cigar is in the injection18 chamber 366, contact 794b, which is normally open, remains open andsolenoid 92 de-energizes and brake pawl 106 engages ratchet 102 androlls '28 and 30 are halted. If a cigar is at the injection chamber 366,itwill be obvious that relay 7% will be energized and solenoid 2 willwithhold the application of the braking means.

Further, the actuation of manual switch 7 82, simulating the absence ofa cigar at the injection chamber 366 and which shuts off the feeding ofcigars and cellophane web will have the same efiect on the band webfeed, since the coil of relay 778 will be energized, thereby holdingopen the normally closed contact 7780 in series with relay 794 with thepreviously described sequences following.

Band registrati0n.The registration of individual bands for cutting has'been previously described. It is accomplished briefly by circuit meanscomprising a photodiode 9t and solenoid 92 (FIG. 5). The photo-diodeunit is self-contained and senses the admission of light when the bandpasses through it. A suitable photo-diode unit containing controlcircuitry and sensing head is manufactured by the Delta EngineeringCorp. of Melrose, Massachusetts. Upon the admission of light, a relay802 becomes de-energized and will remain de-energized. Relay 802 has oneof its contacts in series with solenoid 92 and thus solenoid Q2 becomesitself de-energized, actuating the brake mechanism as described. Afterthe band has been cut, the timing cam operated switch 138 mounted onshaft 734 opens and the photo-diode unit re-cycles, closing reilay 6&2,allowing the next band to feed.

If it is desired to turn the rolls 28 and 36 by hand, a manual switch792a is provided in series with timing cam operated switch 138 which, ofcourse, is in the same circuit as relay 862. Switch 792a is a part ofpreviously mentioned switch 792 and acts in conjunction with it toovercome the brake torque action of solenoid 92 and the resistance ofmagnetic clutch 62 when hand feeding is desired.

Thermistor c0ntr0l.--The circuitry for the control of the variousthermistors or heating elements are not shown since such elements andtheir method of use are well known in the art. In the present apparatus,it has been found suitable to use a package supplied by Fenwal, Inc.,Newark, New Jersey, called, Thermistor :Multo Control System. Thesensing elements of this unit are thermistors or diodes. One thermistoris used for the control of each of the following; for the heater usedfor the sealing of the long seam of the cellophane, for the four heatersused for the sealing of the end folds, and for the heater used for thetacking of the band to the cellophane web.

The sensing elements themselves are extremely small and extremely ruggedand are located adjacent to the heating elements. The control sub-units,one for each of the probes or thermistors, are located in the controlbox. Power or energy for each of these control sub-units is suppliedfrom one power pack. Each sub-unit consists essentially of a triodevacuum tube and a relay. The complete sub-unit can be removed in anygiven case. In series with the power pack is a manual switch which ifopened allows no power to come to the power pack, making all thethermistor control units inoperative. So long as the units areinoperative, the individual relay contactor for the heater units willremain open and no heat will be generated. The closing of the switch ofcourse will cause the heaters to become heated to their controllingtemperature.

In conjunction with each of the heating units may be a pilot light whichwill be illuminated at any time power is being supplied to the heaterunit. If in any given case, the light remains on for an extended periodof time, it can be indicative of failure of a heater or cartridge unit.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, and those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efiiciently attained. Asvarious changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement ofthe parts herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the

1. APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING CIGARS OR SIMILAR ARTICLES IN INDIVIDUALWRAPPERS HAVING A BAND APPLIED THERETO COMPRISING A SOURCE OF SUPPLY OFCONTINUOUS WRAPPER WEB, MEANS FOR INTERMITTENTLY FEEDING SAID WRAPPERWEB IN HORIZONTAL POSITION, A SOURCE OF SUPPLY OF CONTINUOUS BAND WEB,SAID BAND WEB BEING FORMED OF A SUBSTANTIALLY ENDLESS SUCCESSION OFRECURRING BAND PATTERNS IN END TO END RELATIONSHIP, MEANS FOR FEEDINGSAID BAND WEB INTERMITTENTLY IN TIMED RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FEEDING OFSAID WRAPPER WEB, SAID BAND WEB BEING FED IN HORIZONTAL POSITION ALONG ALINE OF TRAVEL TRANSVERSE TO SAID WRAPPER WEB AND IN UNDERLYINGRELATIONSHIP THEREWITH, MEANS FOR SEVERING THE LEADING BAND OF SAID BANDWEB, MEANS FOR MAINTAINING SAID SEVERED BAND IN HORIZONTAL POSITION ANDFOR POSITIONING SAID SEVERED BAND TRANSVERSELY BENEATH SAID WRAPPER WEBAND SUBSTANTIALLY CO-EXTENSIVE WITH THE WIDTH THEREOF, MEANS FORADHERING SAID BAND TO SAID WRAPPER WEB, SAID WRAPPER WEB FEEDING MEANSBEING THEREUPON ADAPTED TO FEED A PREDETERMINED LENGTH OF HORIZONTALWRAPPER WEB WITH A BAND THEREON TO A WRAPPING STATION, MEANS FORSEVERING SAID PREDETERMINED LENGTH FROM THE LEADING EDGE OF SAID WRAPPERWEB, MEANS FOR SUPPLYING AN INDIVIDUAL CIGAR BENEATH SAID HORIZONTALSEVERED WRAPPER, AND MEANS FOR FOLDING THE MARGINS OF SAID SEVEREDWRAPPER INTO OVERLYING RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OTHER TO ENVELOPE SAIDCIGAR DELIVERED THERETO.